Shrewsbury Town suffer penalty shootout defeat in Isle of Man opener

Shrewsbury Town suffered a penalty shootout defeat to non-league Radcliffe in their second pre-season outing.

Town lost 4-2 on spot kicks after being held to a goalless draw by the National League North side in their opening game of the Isle of Man summer football festival.

The result means Gavin Cowan’s side will now contest a third-place play-off on Sunday at 11am.

Town are still searching for their first goal of pre-season after following up last Tuesday’s goalless draw at Stafford Rangers with another stalemate.

A strong contingent of supporters made the trip across the Irish Sea to watch Salop in action at the Ballacloan Stadium, but they were left without a goal to celebrate.

New goalkeeper Sam Proctor made his first appearance just hours after being unveiled as a Shrewsbury player, producing a smart save to deny Radcliffe midway through the first half.

All of Town’s summer signings featured, with several academy youngsters also given minutes. Defender Ollie Hall, Jay Snook, Jeval Thompson-McKenzie and Reuben Falding were among those involved.

Radcliffe caused Shrewsbury problems across the 90, forcing several efforts wide and even striking the woodwork.

But Town created chances of their own, with Isaac Fletcher going close on several occasions, including seeing a free-kick pushed away in the second half.

Arkell Jude-Boyd fired over shortly after the restart and had another effort blocked late on, while new striker Joe Gbode headed wide from close range.

With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the contest was decided by penalties.

Radcliffe held their nerve to convert all four of their spot-kicks, while George Lloyd and Gbode scored for Shrewsbury. Jack Price hit the post before Jude-Boyd saw his penalty saved.

Shrewsbury will complete their Isle of Man schedule on Sunday before returning home to face Everton Under-21s at the Croud Meadow on Tuesday in their first pre-season fixture on home soil.